Judge Pauline Newman Celebrates Historic 40th Anniversary on the Federal Circuit with Surprising Honor

On February 28, 2024, Judge Pauline Newman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) celebrated her 40th anniversary on the bench. A surprise lunch was organized by her current and former clerks to honor this momentous occasion. The original plan for a small gathering quickly evolved into a larger celebration that left Judge Newman pleasantly surprised and overjoyed. Judge Newman has had a remarkable career that has had a profound impact on the intellectual property (IP) community. She is not only a trailblazer and pioneer but also an inspiration to many. … Read more

Affecting Drama ‘In the Summers’ and Intimate Documentary ‘Porcelain War’ Take Top Honors at 40th Sundance Film Festival

PARK CITY, Utah – “In the Summers,” an emotive, multi-year drama that explores the complexities of a parent-child relationship, emerged as the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 40th Sundance Film Festival. The festival’s top documentary honor was bestowed upon “Porcelain War,” a film centered around a Ukrainian couple who create intricately painted ceramics amidst the turmoil of war. Both films marked the directorial debuts of their respective filmmakers. Directed and written by Alessandra Lacorazza, “In the Summers” chronicles the imperfect journey of a father and his daughters over nearly two decades. Lacorazza’s … Read more

Landmark Supreme Court Ruling Promotes Openness in Courtrooms: 40th Anniversary of Press-Enterprise I Celebrated

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The 40th anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Press-Enterprise I is approaching. The ruling, which affirmed the public’s right to observe jury selection during trials, set a high bar for closing courtrooms during the process. The decision, hailed as a victory for press freedom and public access to courtrooms, requires judges to limit closures and provide justification in case of appeals. In Press-Enterprise I, attorney Jim Ward represented The Press-Enterprise, a Riverside-based newspaper, before the Supreme Court in 1984. The case centered around the closure of the courtroom during … Read more

Star-Studded Jury Lineup Announced for 40th Annual Sundance Film Festival

PARK CITY, Utah – The 40th annual Sundance Film Festival is set to begin on January 18 in Park City, Utah, and will feature a star-studded panel of jurors. This year’s jurors include celebrities and industry experts such as Lena Waithe from “Master of None,” acclaimed directors Mira Nair and Debra Granik, and astrophysicist Dr. Nia Imara. These seasoned artists, with their prior festival experience, are expected to bring valuable insights and fresh perspectives to the films curated by the festival’s programming team. The panel of jurors for the various competition categories includes Debra Granik, … Read more